The third test flight of the world’s biggest rocket marks a big moment for Elon Musk’s ambitions to send humans to Mars.
Two previous attempts to fly the uncrewed rocket from Texas to Hawaii both ended in high-altitude explosions, while the third launch will see a different route attempted, with a splashdown site in the Indian Ocean.
As the rocket launched shortly before 8:30am local time, SpaceX staff were heard cheering in the background.
Their live stream commentator also described it as a “phenomenal test”.